Java, since the driveway issue is concrete and non aesthetic, I might start with that. "would you mind if we trimmed those back? With a new baby I know it's the last thing on your mind. We can help out with taking care of the yard generally etc etc."

Maybe that's no better. But it takes you a step further awaynfrom "all the neighbors noticed your house is an eyesore." Which I know you don't intend, but I gotta say I think my reaction would be on par with Hec and Ginger.

java, I expect you're annoyed with me but I'll offer this up anyway.

askye's suggestion is perfectly polite but I don't think it will produce the desired result.

Because (a) they're not thinking about the condition of the yard at all right now. They're staggering along in new parenthood and might occasionally wince at the sight of it, but mostly they're focused daily and weekly chores.

And, (b) If you you give them a coupon that includes a bunch of things they might ask for somebody to help with laundry, or shopping or looking after the kid for an hour so Mom can shower, but they probably don't feel like they know you well enough to ask for something like yard work.

Here's what I would do: Go over and offer a basket of treats. Lemons from your tree, or lemon curd, or pie or something like that.

Tell them that you realize that new parents often get offers of help with newborns but after several months when they could still really use a hand people are focused elsewhere, and you'd be happy to help with something simple.

Then note that you are buying your property and hope to re-do the front yard as the previous owners had down their yard, with the hardy perreniels and less grass etc.

This will probably prompt a sad acknowledgment that they haven't maintained the garden and you would then have the entrance to say, "You know, it would actually help me a lot if I could do some weeding in your garden and see how it's laid out and done. That would be incredibly helpful for me to get into your garden and just get a sense of how it's put together. I hate to impose on you, but I'd really appreciate the opportunity."

Like that. I think that would be well received. Even if it were seen as transparent it would be appreciated.

I'm sorry, I have a big old, inflammatory typo in my earlier comment:

"We're super anal about our neighborhood and you are a constant source of irritation and annoyance to us."

Should read: "We're super anal about our neighborhood and you seem to see us as a constant source of irritation and annoyance."

Which shifts the emphasis to how the new parents might perceive such a gesture as critical, rather than them outright finding that gesture irritating and annoying.

Sorry.

I'll mention to them that I usually spend Sundays doing yard work and it would be no trouble at all do cover theirs while I'm at it or something.

Maybe mention how much you love yard work in the context of "here's a fun fact about me". Then, just take care of it. If they mention it, say "it was no trouble, you know how much I like to do this stuff, and Lord knows that you have other things to worry about!" with a smile.

Just got home - thanks for the thoughtful posts and ideas.

Lemme 'splain... No, is too much, Lemme sum up: {{{{{{{{everyone who wants/needs}}}}}}}}

Tonight's Giants game is "brought to us by the Monterrey Aquarium". How fitting!

Interesting. A neighbor used to mow our lawn occasionally. I thought great - he likes mowing lawns as much as my dad does ( really - we had long conversations about lawns). I did think it was odd, but no one in my house likes lawn mowing. However, it annoyed Matt.

So I would approach gently.

Of course I am also the person who had neighbors apologizes for there lawn being dirt. and I was like , no really - take your time My dead lawn really can't say much

Dog~ma to PMM puppy. Birth~ma to PMM niece. All our ~ma belongs to you.

So much gup pup~ma, Plei. I hope there is a quick, easy and calming answer soon.

And, well, quick, easy as possible and calm baby too.

It's hard to worry about people and critters. I hope you have good news soon.